Paul Kesselman, Psy.D., Director

Paul Kesselman holds a Doctor of Psychology and Master’s degree from the Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University. His training experiences include residential, day treatment/intensive outpatient services, and outpatient individual, family, and group therapy experiences at St. Luke’s- Roosevelt Hospital and Bellevue Hospital, both in New York City, and Community Mental Health Centers in northern New Jersey. Dr. Kesselman received an undergraduate degree in psychology from Rutgers University and also attended New York University, where he worked toward a Master’s degree before transferring to Yeshiva for his doctorate.

He has also taught college level courses in child psychology. Dr. Kesselman has been working in private practice seeing individuals, families, and running groups since 2003.

He works with children as young as four years of age and sees children, pre- teens, adolescents, families, young adults, and adults. He has also conducted research studies on social anxiety at New York State Psychiatric Institute.

Dr. Kesselman grew up in the suburbs of Philadelphia. He and his wife have four children; he enjoys spending time with his family, listening to music, and playing baseball when he is not helping patients and families. He has a passion for his work and enjoys the opportunity to work with issues such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, learning issues, OCD, anger issues, impulse control disorders, school avoidance and refusal, and adjustments issues.

Dr. Kesselman has spoken at both public and private area schools on a variety of topics including ADHD, anxiety, special needs children, and school anxiety.

Candis Breen, ATR-BC 

Candis Breen holds a master’s degree in Art Therapy from New York University in New York City.  She is a registered and Board Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC).  Her areas of training include holistic and behavioral approaches to therapy.  Candis uses both Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Art Therapy in her therapeutic practice.  She has over 5 years of experience working with adults, children and families who have experienced trauma, substance abuse and have medication resistant diagnoses including persistently chronic depression,  personality disorders and severe anxiety.  

When Candis is not working in private practice she is a lead clinician for a Dialectical Behavioral Therapy track in a residential drug and alcohol facility.  She has also previously worked in acute care and crisis stabilization, outpatient wrap around services as well as an outpatient trauma focused program.  Her focus and goal for therapy is to aid in finding creative solutions to making small changes in order to live a healthier and effective life.

Linda Schiavone, MS, MAPP, LPC

 

Linda Schiavone is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who has experience as part of both large and small community clinical counseling agencies. With a Master’s degree in Pastoral Clinical Mental Health Counseling, she is not only an experienced clinical practitioner, but is uniquely qualified to explore spirituality as a component of mental health and wellbeing in a way that respects all types of faith beliefs, religious group identifications and practices. Linda is also a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, where she obtained a Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) degree. The application of positive psychology to the mental health field has the potential to expand therapeutic goals from not only managing the negative emotions associated with anxiety, stress, depressed mood and other mental health and life transition challenges, but to also focus on nurturing wellbeing in its many forms that goes beyond the most common idea of “happiness.” Linda holds a Master of Science degree in Pharmacology as well, and combined with post-graduate work in pharmaceutical neurochemistry research, provides her with a valuable understanding of the potential role of prescribed medications in improving mental health. This scientific background also helps her to understand how non-medication interventions can be effective and helpful strategies to incorporate into therapy, such as mindfulness practices, journaling and breathing techniques.

Linda works with individuals ranging in age from late teens to the older adult. Areas in which she has counseling experience are developing strategies that promote a more positive mood and lessened anxiety and worry, improving family, peer and partner relationships, addressing parenting challenges, navigating career transitions, healing from loss and grief, and nurturing self-compassion and self-care. Her clinical approach is integrative, primarily drawing on evidence-based theories of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), spiritually-integrated therapy and positive psychology, but always focused on the unique needs of the whole individual – mind, body and spirit.  This counseling approach forms the foundation for reaching a goal that Linda believes is an important part of the therapeutic work together: to intentionally build a meaningful and flourishing life that is aligned with a person’s unique values, strengths and authentic sense of self, no matter one’s age, life circumstances or personal and family history.

Linda is Philly born and raised and has lived in the Chester County community for the past 30 years. With a varied career path that includes pharmaceutical research, medical/scientific writing and leadership positions in both fields, as well as being married and the mother of two young adults, she approaches counseling with an authentic, real-life perspective. 

Monica Buklan, Psy.D.

Dr. Monica Buklan is a licensed psychologist who works with people across the lifespan, ranging from early childhood to adulthood. Dr. Monica places emphasis on meeting clients where they are and uses a collaborative approach to help clients heal, grow, and develop toward their potential. In her practice, she draws from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) through a systemic lens, acknowledging that individuals influence and are influenced by their environments and society. Dr. Monica finds that humor, authenticity, and compassion are crucial to a strong therapeutic bond.

Dr. Monica has experience helping individuals with a wide-range of presenting concerns, including anxiety, depression, grief, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and behavior problems.

In addition to working in private practice, Dr. Monica works at a Highschool, where she provides mental health support to students. Dr. Monica has previously worked in a variety of settings, including community mental health clinics, schools, and psychiatric hospitals. Dr. Monica holds her doctorate in clinical psychology from Widener University’s Institute for Graduate Clinical Psychology, where she specialized in school psychology as well as working with children and adolescents. She is a certified school psychologist and has experience with psychoeducational assessments.

Dr. Monica considers herself a “foodie’ and loves to try different restaurants and cuisines in Philadelphia and surrounding areas. One of her all-time favorite foods is pizza. In addition, she enjoys spending time hiking and hanging out with her dog as well as traveling. 

Cathy Bryan, NP

Dr. Cathy Bryan is an experienced therapist in both outpatient and inpatient psychiatry.  She received her Bachelor’s and Master’s of Science in Nursing from the University of Pennsylvania where she had a joint appointment as an adjunct faculty member for the School of Nursing.  Cathy also held an appointment as a board-certified Clinical Nurse Specialist in psychiatry at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and received the Nursing Excellence Award while there.  Dr. Bryan trained at the Center for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and provided outpatient counseling during her time at Penn.  Cathy co-presented with the Penn medical director at the Cognitive Therapy Conference in Philadelphia.  The presentation focused on CBT modalities and mood disorders.  In 2021, she completed her Doctorate in Nursing Practice from Drexel University.  Her thesis proposed an educational method for the family caregivers of elder patients with dementia.  Cathy was also nominated for the Common Good award by the Dean of Drexel’s School of Nursing.

Dr. Bryan has multifaceted expertise in treatment and care delivery which includes individual counseling, cognitive-behavioral therapy, positive psychology, family counseling and group therapies across the age continuum. Cathy sees patients ages 12 through adult both in person and virtually.  She has a holistic, patient-centered approach to caring for individuals and their families.  Dr. Bryan is a licensed Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist with the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

Dr. Bryan adores her family which includes her two adult children and their spouses and she lives with her husband of 40 years. 

Tracey Szmajda, LPC

Tracey Szmajda is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 16 years of school counseling experience at a school for diverse learners on the Main Line. She specializes in working with neuro diverse students such as those with ADHD, executive function challenges, learning disabilities, anxiety, depression, and social challenges.

In her practice, Tracey utilizes positive psychology, solution-focused therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques to help clients find success, and become their best selves. She taught mindfulness classes and Social Emotional Learning classes to middle and high school students. Tracey initiated and spear-headed the therapeutic horseback riding club at the school in partnership with Thorncroft Equestrian Center. In addition, she ran the Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA) for high school students.

Tracey was born and raised in Chester County. She attended Loyola College (now Loyola University) in Maryland studying psychology and biology. Her love for this area and her growing interest in human behavior and service led Tracey to earn a Master’s degree in Counseling and Human Relations at Villanova University while conducting research in the Education Department. Tracey is a member of the Pennsylvania School Counseling Association, the American School Counseling Association, the American Counseling Association, and the Association for Child and Adolescent Counseling.

When she is not helping young people, Tracey can be found at the barn with her horses. Coming to the horse world as an adult, Tracey still identifies as a beginner rider with a huge passion to learn more. Riding has made Tracey a more empathetic counselor as her horse teaches her humility and compassion on a daily basis. Tracey also enjoys hiking, yoga, and baking.

 

 

 

Tal Oxenberg, L.C.S.W

Tal Oxenberg is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience working with children and families. Tal works with children as young as four-through adolescence, while also supporting parents, caregivers and families. Tal works with children with presenting issues such as anxiety, ADHD, grief/loss, school and learning issues, behaviors related to trauma, difficulty managing emotions and general behavioral challenges. Tal operates from a client centered perspective, meeting clients where they are, with strengths-based and solutions-focused interventions. His work utilizes play, narrative therapies, and mindfulness techniques to help children progress, grow and process theirunique world. Tal earned a Master’s Degree in Social Work with an emphasis on Clinical Practice from theUniversity of Pennsylvania-School of Social Policy and Practice. He is a member of the ClinicalSocial Work Association and the Pennsylvania Society for Clinical Social Work.Outside of his work in private practice, Tal has worked as a School Social Worker and a school-based Play Therapist for students kindergarten to 8 th grade. Tal was born and raised in the Philadelphia area, where he now lives with his wife and 2 children. When he is not working, he enjoys spending time with his family and dog, enjoying nature, running and playing basketball.

Mollie Cherson,  L.C.S.W.

Mollie Cherson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with individuals across the life span including emerging adults, prenatal/postpartum parents, and those experiencing caregiver and parenting related stresses. She utilizes training in mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and strengths based approaches to support clients in discovering and rediscovering tools to help with current needs and areas of growth.

Mollie attended Ursinus College and studied Psychology and Education. During her time at Ursinus, her interest in research and developmental psychology grew which led her to pursue her Masters of Social and Developmental Psychology from the University of Cambridge in England. Shortly after returning back to the United States, she obtained her Masters of Social Work from Temple University where she also worked as a research assistant supporting research in fatherhood, young person suicidality, and job training programs.

She has presented research in several states as well as internationally. Mollie is a member of the Collaborative Family Healthcare Association where she has been a presenter 3 times during their annual conference and the Pennsylvania Society for Clinical Social Workers. Previous experience includes working in higher education and an inpatient psychiatric hospital.

When Mollie is not working in private practice, she is a lead behavioral health provider within primary care of a large university health care system. Additionally, she teaches as an adjunct faculty member at a local professional college. She enjoys exploring new places, staying active, baking, and spending time with her family.

 

 

Kimberly Brown, LPC

K​imberly Brown, M.A. holds a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Rosemont College. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a member of the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC). In addition, she has been trained to treat individuals with Gaming Disorder. Kimberly utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing approaches to help individuals reach their goals.

Kimberly has over 10 years of experience working with adults who have struggled with substance use disorders and co-occurring disorders in inpatient and outpatient facilities including Medication-Assisted treatment facilities. She has also facilitated teen groups in an outpatient setting. Recently, Kimberly has expanded into gambling addiction therapy. Other areas of experience include working with individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma and couples therapy.

In the last few years, Kimberly has assisted in implementing a mental health track where she is the Clinical Manager. Kimberly is currently focused on treating clients with anxiety, autism, depression, PTSD, and Bipolar Disorder. She also runs the Young adult group. She sees patients ages 5 to adult.

When Kimberly is not working in private practice, she is a clinical manager at an outpatient drug and alcohol and mental health program.  Kimberly was born, raised and lives in the Delaware County area with her husband, stepson and dog, Travis. She enjoys music, traveling and spending time with her family.